Gardening: plants and cultivation guides Books

Book SynopsisTart, richly flavoured damsons have been growing in England since the island''s earliest recorded history. Whether wild and foraged, or cultivated, they have been a familiar part of the landscape for centuries, and have been used in a range of traditional jams, jellies, drinks, sauces and puddings. Sarah Conrad Gothie offers a history of damson cultivation and use in regions famous for the fruit, as well as practical advice for growing, buying, and storing damsons. Her collection of historic and new recipes will inspire readers interested in heritage fruits and seasonal cookery to welcome the dazzling colour and inimitable flavour of the ancient damson into their kitchens. This book is part of Prospect Books? English Kitchen series, which includes volumes on rhubarb, quinces, and other traditional foods.As an academic, Gothie specializes in food studies, tourism studies, and museum studies.

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Book SynopsisA colourful, illustrated celebration of wild plants around the world, and why we should love them not loathe them, with 50 graphic illustrations by Paul Farrell. To call a plant a weed is doing it a real injustice. It’s simply a wild plant that is not deliberately cultivated, growing where it is not wanted. By this definition, virtually any plant outside a carefully tended garden is a weed. The intolerance of weeds is a mark of how we have turned our backs on nature and urbanized our land and lives. In this enlightening survey, illustrator Paul Farrell uncovers the wild beauty in weeds and explains the benefits of rewilding ourselves a little. Weeds can be medicine, food, and an important aid for wildlife. One person’s weed is another’s wild beauty. Paul’s brilliant modernist illustration style shows us dandelions, thistles and feverfew in a whole new light. Each of the 50 weeds featured is accompanied by a quirky history and its uses in medicine, cooking, arts and even industry. Sample contents:US/Canada weeds: Dandelion; Daisy; Groundsell; Chickweed; Nettle; Wild carrot; Sumac.UK/Europe weeds: Foxglove; Deadly nightshade; Yarrow; Rosebay willowherb; Herb Robert; Scarlet Pimpernel; Violet; Wood Sorrel; Red valerian; Common knapweed

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Book Synopsis'A brilliant and inspirational starter kit for anyone who wants to make a garden to suit their own needs.' - Alan TitchmarshAlthough excited by the prospect of moving into their own home for the first time, many people are mystified at the thought of what to do with their outdoor space. Frances Tophill's fuss-free, practical guide shows you how to create a space outside your own back door that's designed by you, built by you and enjoyed by you. Beginning with advice on getting to know your garden - what type of soil you have, what the drainage and light is like - then on getting to know yourself as a gardener - do you want a vegetable patch, an abundance of flowers or simply an extension of your indoor living space? - and then moving on to the practical design, including hard and soft landscaping and building materials and guidance, Frances guides you through different types of plants and how to source and plant them. There is also a section on aftercare, telling you the best way to keep your garden well cared for and easy to maintain throughout the year.

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Book SynopsisFeaturing over 40 cool, high-maintenance-looking plants, The Unkillables will ensure your put your plant-murdering days firmly in the past, and will transform your home into the gorgeous green space you always dreamed of. Are you a plant killer? There's nothing more heart-breaking than bringing your new plant baby home, only to have it die a slow death in front of your very eyes. Was it too much water? Not enough sunlight? A drafty corner? The reasons for planticide can seem endless!In The Unkillables, Jo Lambell shares her houseplant knowledge so that even the biggest plant serial killers can have an abundant indoor garden. Jo will take the fear out of the unknown and equip those with no green fingers at all with the skills they need to keep their plants alive and thriving. Plants can be a little intimidating – with their fancy Latin names, complex terminology and 'just look at me and I'll perish' reputation – so choosing hardy, tolerant plants is the best place to start. Jo walks you through the basics of care – light, water, location – as well as sharing information on repotting, propagating, cleaning, First Aid and more.

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Book SynopsisRadio 4's The Food Programme Book of the Year, chosen by Dan Saladino An Irish Times Best Gardening Book 2023 Shortlisted for the Garden Media Guild’s Garden Book of the Year Award 2023 Longlisted for The Art of Eating Prize 2023 ‘If you’re a vegetable growing addict or just curious about their origins, there’s something for everyone in Adam’s new book.’ Rob Smith, TV presenter '[This book] is a clarion call to think about our food in new ways and carefully consider where it comes from.' New Scientist Meet the Indiana Jones of vegetables on his quest to save our heritage produce. Have you ever wondered how everyday staples such as peas, kale, asparagus, beans, squash and sweetcorn ended up on our plates? Well, so did Adam Alexander. Adam’s passion for heritage vegetables was ignited when he tasted an unusual, sweet and fiery pepper while on a filmmaking project in Ukraine. Smitten by its flavour, he began to seek out local growers of old and near-forgotten varieties in a mission to bring home seeds to grow and share – saving them from being lost forever. In The Seed Detective, Adam tells of his far flung (and closer to home) seed-hunting adventures and reveals the stories behind many of our everyday vegetable heroes. How the common garden pea was domesticated from three wild species over 8,500 years ago, that the first carrots originated in Afghanistan (and were actually purple or red in colour), how Egyptian priests considered it a crime to look at a fava bean and that the Romans were fanatical about asparagus. Join The Seed Detective as he takes us on a journey that began when we left the life of hunter-gatherers to become farmers. Sharing storiesof globalisation, political intrigue, colonisation and serendipity, Adam shows us the vital part vegetables have played in our food story – and how they are the key to our future. ‘Informative, enlightening and entertaining but also important.’ Mark Diacono ‘One of the most inspirational books I have encountered.’ Darina AllenTrade Review‘A fascinating and original exploration of the horticultural heritage at our fingertips, and an inspiration to follow in at least some of Adam’s footsteps. Informative, enlightening and entertaining but also important, The Seed Detective is an invitation to be inquisitive, to experiment, and to make our contribution to the plot-to-plate food movement we need to rejuvenate our relationship with food and the soil.’ Mark Diacono, author of Spice/a cook’s companion‘At a time in history when we have become dangerously disconnected from how our food is produced and when self-inflicted, diet-related diseases are the primary cause of premature death, this book could not be more timely. Catastrophic loss of biodiversity and climate change add to the perfect storm. ‘Adam’s initial curiosity has taken him all over the world, collecting precious, often endangered vegetable seeds to grow and share with others. ‘His passion encourages us to seek out nutritious, flavourful, local varieties instead of the lacklustre, mass-produced vegetables that have contributed to the loss of interest in this vital and delicious food source. ‘One of the most inspirational books I have encountered in a long time.’ Darina Allen, founder, Ballymaloe Cookery School‘If you’re a vegetable growing addict or just curious about their origins, there’s something for everyone in Adam’s new book. Follow the Seed Detective as he searches for beans through Burmese markets, learn when a courgette is actually a marrow, and be regaled with stories about how homegrown red brussels sprouts helped decide his future. The perfect book for anyone who grows from seed!’ Rob Smith, winner, BBC’s The Big Allotment Challenge; garden columnist; TV presenter; seed guardian‘Reading this book feels like I am having a cup of tea with Adam in his polytunnel while he tells me fascinating stories of the plants around us. From why garlic was fed daily to the builders of the pyramids to the earliest chillies found in a Mexican cave in 6000 bce, Adam entertains as he educates. I have a new-found respect for the humble vegetable.’ Katie Caldesi, co-owner, Caldesi restaurants and cookery schools; best-selling author'Whether you know your vegetables by eating them, cooking them or growing them, Adam Alexander’s book will enhance those experiences with his tales. Knowing their histories, and the impact they have had on the world, gives them such a special savour that you will never think of them as mere “groceries” again.' Barbara Damrosch, author of The Garden Primer and The Four Season Farm Gardener’s Cookbook‘True seeds always have stories, and stories are what make Alexander’s book so enjoyable. Stories about grannies who bring their treasured family heirlooms to souks and seed shops all over the world; but also about con artists who improve varieties minimally or not at all, then change the names to invent novelty; and about modern plant breeders bringing a renewed appreciation for flavour into their work. At once explorer, treasure hunter, researcher and sleuth, Alexander brings a joy to his lifetime quest that is contagious.’ CR Lawn, founder, Fedco Seeds ‘In our everyday lives, vegetables are often presented to us with limited choice and boring uniformity, so we take their availability for granted, without much thought. Written from the viewpoint of the humble seed, Alexander takes us on a journey that opens the true origin of the vegetables we put on our plates, not just addressing their heritage but also their fundamental role in the cultures of the world. They are the centrepieces of our lives. This book, narrated with personal experience combined with a deep passion, will make you think about the humble veg we consume in a completely different light and my advice to you is to open it up and jump in.’ C.M. Collins, head of horticulture, Garden Organic‘When you read the fascinating stories behind the origin of seeds in The Seed Detective, it’s easy to be enthralled by the agricultural history growing in our gardens. This book takes the reader on a journey to distant lands with a passionate gardener, seed conserver and historian to learn how early cultures survived through seed growing, saving and sharing. It’s an important and rare book that will appeal to anyone who grows a food garden or loves food history.’ Ellen Ecker Ogden, author of The New Heirloom Garden‘While this book targets a British audience, it is highly relevant to us all. Drawing heavily on his own explorations in distant lands, Adam Alexander recounts endless stories of the origins of most of our important food crops. He is not the first to do this, yet his detailed, insightful and entertaining accounts are truly superb. ‘Beginning his odyssey in a dilapidated Soviet-era Ukrainian kitchen, he documents so many sad cases of lost diversity, sounding a shrill alarm for the loss of “culture” in agriculture, yet offering inspiration and encouragement to those of us struggling to recover, preserve and share our endangered crop plant heritage.’ Will Bonsall, author of Will Bonsall’s Essential Guide to Radical, Self-Reliant Gardening‘The writing is rich, demonstrating [Alexander’s] deep integration into the world of seed seekers…It is a clarion call to think about our food in new ways and to carefully consider where it comes from.’ New Scientist

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Book SynopsisHealth-conscious families and communities everywhere are taking on the challenge of childhood-obesity prevention by re-learning to enjoy fresh produce. The market for organic fruits, herbs and veg has never been greater. In WE LIKE TO GROW OUR FOOD, children learn about composting, the need for healthy soil and the interconnection of all life systems (how humans, insects, animals and plants work together). They get to celebrate the essential bond with nature that is so easy to forget in a fast-food culture.WE LIKE TO GROW OUR FOOD is both a storybook and an instruction guide. Young children can follow the progress of a group of characters who take their garden through the seasons. In the process, they learn the steps to creating their own garden. Whether readers live in urban or rural environments, they can use the encouraging and simple text to start creating a new world: a new and healthier food source for themselves and their families.A garden is a wonderful teacher, with surprising and profound gifts. This book stresses the need for care, nuturing, patience and sharing all vital life lessons for young children to hear about and for parents to encourage. With simple text and captivating illustrations, WE LIKE TO GROW OUR FOOD promises to open a new door to adventure and enjoyment even for those who have been previously reluctant to get their hands dirty.

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Book SynopsisThis book takes the houseplant look outside by exploring the wonders of lush, green, foliage plants that are hardy in the garden. Unlike flowers which fade, these big-leaved, larger-than-life plants provide year-round impact for decades and small, urban gardens that are well protected are the perfect home for them. Expert horticulturist Philip Oostenbrink has been an enthusiastic grower for years and in this book recommends the best hardy, foliage plants for texture, leaf shape and colour. Jungle gardens can be shady and immersive, sunny and open or somewhere in between and there are plants suited to all these environments including purple-leaved bananas, desert-island palms, spiky agaves, architectural Pseudopanax and succulents such as Echeveria and Aeonium. Beautiful special photography by Sarah Cuttle features standout jungle gardens that demonstrate how to combine foliage plants effectively and create backdrops and container displays that make the plants pop. This book is the irresistible next step for all houseplant addicts and for all who are ready to embark on their very own jungle adventure.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, Scottish gardeners will find accurate information and hundreds of plants ideally suited to where they live.Trade ReviewImagine if you were to head off on a tour of Scotland, stopping to chat with the country's garden experts at every town along the way.You could find out which trees stand up to the wind in Shetland, which climbers will survive on a north facing wall and even which plants are widely offered for sale in Scotland but should be left on the shelf. Sadly most of us don't have the time, resources or contacts to take such a trip, but the good news is that two men have done it for us. || An essential companion for any Scottish gardener, both experienced and beginner. || An invaluable source of information for those selecting plants for Scottish gardens. This book certainly lives up to its title. It is informative, authoritative and will be a helpful source of information not just for gardeners in Scotland, but for anyone who gardens in a cold, wet and windly location. || When all the gardening world is focused on plants for drought, it's good to find a book for those who garden in the cold and wetter parts of the north. Garden Plants for Scotland (Frances Lincoln GBP 25/offer GBP 22.50) hits the spot nicely. Kenneth Cox and Raoul Curtis-Machin know that climate well enough (Cox is part of the Glendoick Cox family of nurserymen, who have been collecting and growing rhododendrons for three generations) and so if a plant figures here, even a variety of rose, then you can be pretty sure it's going to do well north of the border and in the soggy, blasted Pennines. So keen are they on reliability that they have set up their own notional bone-hardiness rating in defiance of the Royal Horticultural Society's southern take on hardiness, and also their own Scottish Garden Award, similar to the RHS's Award of Garden Merit, for their best 500 plants, chosen after consultation with experts throughout Scotland. There are lists of plants " resistant" to deer and rabbits too - there's brave! || Contrary to what many Sassenachs might think, Scotland is one of the best places in the world for gardening, it ample rainfall and lack of severe droughts mean that many plants including raspberries and rhododendrons- thrive there. And yet there have been very few books devoted to Scottish gardening. This excellent volume aims to put that straight... || If you are gardening north of the Border you could not fail to find this book extremely informative, but also a source of amusement and entertainment and there are not many gardening books with this winning combination.

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Book SynopsisThe tomato is a popular and versatile choice in the garden. It is vibrant, nutritious and delicious. It can be grown from hanging baskets with herbs, can yield prolific crops, and can cheer up a summer salad with its red, yellow, orange or green hues.

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Book SynopsisHow to Grow Perennial Vegetables gives comprehensive advice on all types of perennial vegetables, from ground-cover plants and coppiced trees to plants for bog gardens and edible woodland plants. Perennial vegetables are a joy to grow. Whereas traditional vegetable plots are largely made up of short-lived, annual vegetable plants, perennials are edible plants that live longer than three years. Grown as permaculture plants, they take up less of your time and effort than annual vegetables, and extend the harvesting season - avoiding the hungry gap between the end of the winter harvest and the start of the summer harvest of annual vegetables. Unlike annual vegetables, perennials cover and protect the soil all year round, which maintains the structure of the soil and helps everything growing in it. Humous levels build up, nutrients don’t wash out of the soil, and mycorrhizal fungi, critical for storing carbon within the soil, are preserved. Perennial plants also contain higher levels of mineral nutrients than annuals because they have larger, permanent root systems, capable of using space more efficiently Written by gardening expert Martin Crawford, this book gives comprehensive advice on how to grow and care for both common perennial vegetables like rhubarb, Jerusalem artichokes, horseradish and asparagus and unusual edible plants such as skirret, red chicory, nodding onions, Babington's leek, scorzonera, sea kale, wild rocket, coppiced trees and aquatic plants. With plenty of cooking tips, colour photographs and illustrations throughout and an A-Z of over 100 perennial edibles, it is an inspiration for all gardeners.Trade ReviewThis lovely book makes it clear that we are not just missing a trick, we are missing a feast. * Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall *At last an in-depth book on perennial vegetables combined with Martin Crawford's usual diligence of research - essential reading. * Ben Law *A lot of information is packed into a relatively short space… Lots of the plants listed were new to me entirely, or as an edible possibility. Now I’m not only thinking where edible perennials may fit on my allotment, but also in my garden too! This is an informative and detailed book, which I shall be returning to again and again. * vegplotting.blogspot *I admire tremendously the first-hand experience which informs Martin Crawford's writing. This book leads us down the path to a wealth of perennial vegetables and tells us how to combine them successfully. * Anne Swithinbank *A really useful book... Let us start freeing ourselves from the tyranny of the annual sowing, thinning and planting regime. * Bob Flowerdew *Table of ContentsForeword by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall Introduction Part 1 - An introduction to perennial vegetables Why grow perennial vegetables? - What is a perennial vegetable? - The case for growing perennials Growing perennial vegetables - Types of perennial plant - Soils - Perennial beds - Planting patterns - Perennial polycultures - Perennial grains - Perennial tuber and root crops - Perennial vegetables and ground-cover plants - Forest gardens - Growing perennial vegetables under existing trees - Growing aquatic perennial vegetables - Native and non-native plants Maintenance of perennial vegetables - Feeding - Soil pH - Disease management - Pest management - Harvesting and yields - Propagation - Maintenance Part 2 - Perennial vegetables A–Z Appendix: Common and Latin names Resources

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Book SynopsisForest gardening is a way of working with Nature which is not only productive and requires minimal maintenance, but creates great environmental benefits. As Herbert Girardet says in his Foreword, "Robert Hart was a rare person . . . For decades he waged a battle for life, patiently writing books and articles and quietly planting trees on his small farm in Shropshire. Robert created a magnificent forest garden which had a profound influence on the way people cultivated their land. It was a garden dedicated to human needs for fruit, nuts, vegetables and plant medicines. But it was at the same time a celebration of the myriad interactions of life, based on profound observations, both intuitive and scientific, of how different life forms interact in order to stimulate and support one another." Table of ContentsForeword by Herbert Girardet Prologue: The Mini-forest 1. Towards a Forest Economy 2. Unity and Diversity 3. Health & Wholeness 4. Personal Pilgrimage 5. The Wenlock Edge Project 6. Plant Life: Its Infinite Potentialities 7. Design & Maintenance 8. Water and No Water 9. Stored up Sunshine: Energy Yesterday and Tomorrow 10. The Thinking Hand: Skills of the Craftsman 11. Agroforestry Against World Want 12. Green is Real 13. Where Do We Go From Here? Epilogue: A New Twist in the Evolutionary Spiral Appendix 1 Recommended Species: Temperate Appendix 2 Recommended Species: Tropical and Sub-tropical References Suggested further reading Recommended suppliers in the UK Membership organisations Index

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Book SynopsisWiden your winter horizons and enjoy an abundance of vegetables at the darkest time of year in this lovely book. Many people believe that not much grows in winter, but a well-organised plot can still be productive with careful planning. In fact, many salads can be grown in winter, especially with a little protection from fleece, cloches or larger structures. Written by organic gardening expert Charles Dowding, this guide explains how you can come through winter with plenty of vegetables stored and ready to harvest. Beautifully designed with full-colour photographs from Martin’s garden, How to Grow Winter Vegetables includes an extensive month-by-month sowing, planting and growing calendar, as well as plenty of tips on storing produce. Martin shares harvesting guidance, from garlic in July right through to spring cabbage and pea shoots in May. The guide also includes a whole section on frost-hardy salad plants and other vegetables. How to Grow Winter Vegetables is a useful resource for anyone looking to utilise their garden and grow fresh produce throughout the year.Trade ReviewThis fabulous book is ideal for those seeking to extend their basic knowledge and experience. * Gardens Illustrated *With Charles’s advice at hand you can be sure that there will be plenty to eat... Charles’ book is a paean to our weather, climate and soil. It celebrates all that is good about growing year round and I guarantee that you’ll actually look forward to winter after this read. * Alys Fowler *Charles Dowding is an incomparable guide to the exhilarating, frustrating and downright addictive nature of growing salads and vegetables in the garden or allotment. [...] This gloriously practical and inspiring book is full of good photographs, and is handsomely produced in full colour by Green Books. * The Lady *This book opens up a needlessly neglected and wonderful part of gardening - winter with your own vegetables is a much better place to be. Charles's book is a comprehensive, practical and inspiring guide. * Sarah Raven *Whether you have years of gardening experience or are just at the novice stage there is so much to learn from this excellent book. It is a very well illustrated book with some wonderful colour photographs and will make an excellent reference book in your gardening library. * Smallholder *An invaluable book, intelligent of course, and inspiring too. * Anna Pavord *Table of ContentsIntroduction PART 1 Winter’s potential A forgotten season A winter’s scene PART 2 Preparing for winter Looking after your soil Making your own compost What to grow for winter Tips for sowing & planting PART 3 Sowing, planting & growing calendar Sowing & planting in spring Sowing & planting in early summer Sowing & planting in late summer & autumn PART 4 Winter harvests Winter harvests calendar Winter & hungry gap vegetables A–Z PART 5 Stored harvests Principles of storing for winter Vegetables for winter storage A–Z PART 6 Winter vegetables under cover Under-cover growing An amazing array of vegetables Resources Index

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Book SynopsisGo beneath the soil with this hand-drawn guide!This book is sure to become your go-to reference for all things bonsai. Beautifully illustrated with details and views a camera simply can't show, Introduction to Bonsai offers a unique and insightful look at these mini ecosystems.This complete guide contains all the information you need to create and maintain your own bonsai: Handy monthly bonsai maintenance schedules detail proper watering, pruning, wiring, transplanting and other upkeep activities throughout the year Leaves, fruits, flowers, and processes are presented up-close to help make growing and upkeep as successful and simple as possible Diagrams show where, how much, and in what direction pruning, wiring, watering and other maintenance should be performed Clear, detailed illustrations of every part of the bonsai ensure that you'll see everything you need to see, exactly as you need to see it—making this a great resource for collectors and enthusiasts at all levels Learn the specific ways to care for more than 40 types of popular bonsai trees, including: Flowering Bonsai—cherry blossom, dogwood, azalea and lilac Fruiting Bonsai—crab apple, persimmon, Chinese quince and burning bush Coniferous and Deciduous Bonsai—maple, Japanese beech, black pine and salt cedar Prepared by the editors of Japan's popular Bonsai Sekai (Bonsai World) magazine,this handbook is designed to make care and maintenance easy for bonsai beginners—from seeds to root systems and from basic watering to your first transplant.

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Book SynopsisThis title contains plenty of delicious, healthy and wholesome exploitation-free recipes. It provides solution-based approaches to nurturing personal effectiveness and health. It discusses eco-friendly living, home and garden design, veganic food growing and community regeneration. Graham Burnett demonstrates how understanding universal patterns and principles, and applying these to our own gardens and lives, can make a very real difference to both our personal lives and the health of our planet. Interspersed with an abundance of delicious, healthy and wholesome exploitation-free recipes, Graham provides solutions-based approaches to nurturing personal effectiveness and health, eco-friendly living, home and garden design, veganic food growing, reafforestation strategies, forest gardening, reconnection with wild nature and community regeneration with plenty of practical ways to be well fed with not an animal dead!Trade ReviewIn his inimitable maverick fashion, Graham Burnett has jumbled together the pragmatism of Permaculture with the DIY ethos of punk, and come up with an essential and practical guidebook for anyone even remotely interested in the true nature of cultural (r)evolution. So, if you're looking to 'get a life', this would be as good a start as any - now's the time. Penny Rimbaud, Performer, philosopher, writer, and founder of the band/collective, Crass

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Book SynopsisA leading light in the field of medicinal herb cultivation, The Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm is the first cultivation guide of its kind, and presents invaluable information for growers interested in producing high-quality efficacious herbs in all climates of the US, with the historical connectedness of ancient practitioners. It has become increasingly important-especially as the market for herbal medicine continues to grow-that we transition to local and domestic medicinal cultivation. Increasingly there are concerns in regards to not only the quality but the purity of imported herbs, and wild herbs picked for medicinal purposes are ever more endangered than in past years both at home and abroad. Peg Schafer, longtime grower and teacher, guides readers with information on propagating, cultivating, and harvesting Chinese herbs, and presents fascinating new scientific data that reveal the age-old wisdom of nature and the traditional systems of Chinese medicine. Through 79 detailed herb profiles--all tested and trialed on Schafer's certified organic farm-Schafer offers easy-to-follow information, suitable for both growers and practitioners, for growing efficacious wild-simulated herbs. Also included is important information on species conservation, crop integration, and how to avoid the introduction of invasive species. Sidebars on traditional medicinal uses for each herb and delicious recipes are also featured throughout. Vegetable and CSA farmers will find this book of great interest for adding value-added crops to their repertoire, and beginner growers looking to incorporate medicinals into their gardens will find this an invaluable guide to understanding where herbal medicine comes from, and will make eating-your-medicine more accessible than ever. Trade ReviewBook News- Schafer, affiliated with the Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm in Petaluma, California, co-founded the first U.S. company to offer organic, domestically grown Chinese medicinal herbs. In this guide for Chinese medicine practitioners and organic farmers, she gives advice on organically growing and harvesting 79 medicinal herbs. Most of the herbs are used in Chinese medicine, but a few belong to the Ayurvedic tradition. The first section of the book gives background on herbal traditions, risks to the future of herbalism, and conservation and global trade in medicinal plants. This section also gives general advice on cultivation in the nursery, garden, and field, and on harvesting, drying, storing, and shipping herbs, collecting and saving seeds, and selling herbs. The book then provides profiles of 79 herbs. Each herb entry gives a plant description, advice on propagation and planting, a list of suitable plant companions, and a brief summary of medicinal uses, plus notes on field production, pests and diseases, and harvest and yield. Each entry also includes a couple of color photos of plants in the field and the roots, flowers, or other parts when processed for medicinal use.Booklist- "Comprehensive" best describes Schafer's specialized resource. She begins, appropriately, with a discussion of small-scale cultivation as a way to protect the environment and be part of the international trade in medicinal plants. The growth of herbal trade parallels the increase in the number of Americans exploring acupuncture and other elements of traditional Chinese medicine, so this guide will meet the rising do-it-yourself interest in growing medicinal herbs. Schafer's easily understood instructions are accompanied by boxed inserts of important tips, charts and tables, and photographs. Most of the book is dedicated to 79 detailed herb profiles with growing information and medicinal uses. Also provided are plant and medicinal name cross-references; hardiness-zone maps with a China-U.S. latitude overlay; resources for herb seeds and plants; recommended readings, listings of websites, and herbal and conservation organizations; and an all-important glossary of horticultural, medicinal, and Chinese terms. This genuinely unusual, authoritative manual will likely be in brisk demand."For the practitioner of Chinese medicine, The Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm is a teacher, drawing us closer to the herbs we use. For the casual gardener, it is a handbook for growing fresh Chinese herbs as part of a healthy diet. For anyone who has an interest in growing their own Chinese herbs, Peg Schafer gives us a new reason to look forward to spring."--Andrew Ellis, author of Notes from South Mountain: A Guide to Concentrated Herb Granules"Peg Schafer, the most experienced Chinese medicinal herb grower in North America, charts a new course in Chinese medicinal plant cultivation by providing the guidance needed to grow the most important of these herbs domestically. This book offers more than just cultivation tips, but also an assurance of proper plant identification, optimal growing and harvesting conditions, freshness of materials, and the ability to access Chinese medicinals with the lowest carbon footprint possible."--Roy Upton, Executive Director, American Herbal Pharmacopoeia"Peg Schafer understands in more ways than one that good health springs from the land. Herbs from the Chinese tradition perfectly complement more familiar healing plants. The concept of "regional medicine farms" resonates so well with the growing desire to eat more locally. But of course! We are what we eat, and that includes the medicinal plants that work with our bodies to create wholeness. Every plant person will instantly recognize the gift waiting within this book-Schafer shares many astute observations of how each plant garners medicinal oomph, what she calls the vital qi (chi) of each herb. And that's the right sort of inspiration to launch any thinking gardener!"--Michael Phillips, author of The Holistic Orchard, and co-author Nancy Phillips of The Herbalist's Way"Peg Schafer is the best artisanal grower I know. For this book, she has distilled the knowledge of the small group who, over the past two decades, has pioneered North American production of Chinese medicinal herbs, and tested it through direct experience. This book clearly explains the whys as well as the how-tos, and delivers information into the eager hands of all perennial polyculturalists who will grow us a post-peak oil healthcare system; it is a gift to us all."--Jean Giblette, owner, High Falls Gardens and co-founder, LocalHerbs.org"This is by far the most detailed and thorough book that addresses the urgent issue of organic cultivation and processing of Chinese herbs. It will have a profound effect on future land use, herb availability, pesticide burdens, and sustainability in a field that is expanding rapidly around the world. I can't stress enough how valuable and rare this information is to practitioners and users of Chinese herbal medicine. I highly recommend this book for all TCM herbalists, as well as gardeners and farmers who want to learn the art of the organic cultivation of Chinese medicinals."--Bill Schoenbart, L.Ac., D.A.O.M

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Book SynopsisNurture a year-round gardening habit with just 5 minutes a day, from the author of Kitchen Garden Revival and Leaves, Roots & Fruit.Do you find joy in seeing a plant grow from seed to flower? Has your main setback for maintaining a successful garden been finding enough time to tend it?Whether you have a windowsill garden or a backyard full of flora, finding time to garden can seem impossible. But with just 5 minutes a day, you can be sure your plants have all they need to go from seed to delicious harvest. Nicole Johnsey Burke, author of Kitchen Garden Revival and Leaves, Roots & Fruit and founder of Gardenary, Inc., guides you through the different planting seasons and shares: Quick, actionable tasks: minimal methods to keep your garden thriving Seasonal gardening plans: detailed schedules broken down into days, weeks, and months Habit-building techniques: proven ways to integrate gardening into your daily routine Garden-to-table benefits: easy, delicious dishes you can quickly pull together with your fresh-picked produce Nicole equips you with the knowledge you need to transform 5 minutes a day into a year-round gardening habit. Experience the joy and mindfulness that comes from being more connected to nature and the food you eat.

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Book SynopsisA polytunnel can be used as an affordable, low-carbon aid to growing your own food all year round, from crispy salads and fresh vegetables in the dead of winter to juicy melons and mouth-watering grapes in high summer. But once you’ve decided to invest in a polytunnel, there are many questions to be answered, including: • Do you need planning permission? • What are the different sizes and types you can buy? • Where should you put it, and how do you put it up? • What can you use it for, how do you look after it, and what are the likely problems? The Polytunnel Handbook looks at all aspects of using a polytunnel, from planning your purchase to harvesting the rewards, and includes a step-by-step guide detailing how polytunnels are put up and maintained. There are chapters on developing healthy soil and preventing pests, and a jargon-free guide to the range of often mystifying accessories that many tunnel retailers offer. For the DIY enthusiast there is a full set of instructions for building a polytunnel from scratch, and the authors explain how to keep your polytunnel productive in every season.Trade ReviewPolytunnels have a key role to play in the grow-your-own revolution, and a comprehensive guide such as this is long overdue. -- Simon McEwan, Editor * Country Smallholding magazine *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Planning your purchase 2. The big day 3. Self-build tunnels 4. The tunnel environment 5. Planting through the year 6. Preventing pests 7. Thinking outside the tunnel Afterword Appendix 1: Further information and suppliers Appendix 2: Further reading Appendix 3: Glossary

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Book SynopsisThere's nothing quite like a thirst-quenching beverage, especially when it's made with fresh ingredients you picked from your very own garden! This book will show you what leaves, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and roots to grow in your garden so you can enjoy them from your glass. Filled with beautiful photography and helpful information on how to plant, maintain and harvest each home-grown ingredient. Also included is advice for making your own syrups, tinctures and purees. Written by Jodi Helmer, author of Grow Your Own Tea Garden, this book will inspire both small and large space gardeners to enjoy their bounty in a refreshing new way!

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Book SynopsisLearn everything there is to know about cacti and succulent care in this newly updated, easy-to-use volume! Jam-packed with insight on more than 200 types of succulents and cacti, each plant profile contains gorgeous photography, botanical and common names, must-know advice, and more. Also included are simple, step-by-step instructions on choosing the right plants and helping them thrive, plus tips on how to propagate succulents and cacti, repotting, grooming, and pest control. This updated edition features all new photography, a new garden profile, updates to scientific names of original plants based on current standards, 70 new cacti species, and 20 new succulent species. Author and award-winning researcher Gideon F. Smith previously served as president for the International Organization of Succulent Plant Study and has published over 500 scientific and popular papers on the taxonomy, biology, and evolution of succulent plants.

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Book Synopsis Marijuana Botany presents the scientific knowledge and propagation techniques used to preserve and multiply vanishing Cannabis strains. Also included is information concerning Cannabis genetics and breeding used to begin plant improvement programs. The book presents scientific and horticultural principles, along with their practical applications, necessary for the breeding and propagation of Cannabis and in particular, marijuana. It will appeal not only to the professional researcher, but to the marijuana enthusiast or anyone with an eye to the future of Cannabis products.

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Book SynopsisHow to Permaculture Your Life is a resource book for anyone who wants to live a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle. It discusses: some of the most nutritious food and fodder plants, how to build gardens and improve our soils, strategies for rural properties, how to harvest, store, conserve and reuse water and energy, and much more!

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Book SynopsisA forest garden is a place where nature and people meet halfway, between the canopy of trees and the soil underfoot. It doesn't have to look like a forest - what's important is that natural processes are allowed to unfold, to the benefit of plants, people and other creatures. For three decades experimental forest gardens have been planted in temperate cities and rural sites, in households, neighbourhoods, community gardens, parks, market gardens and plant nurseries. Forest Gardening In Practice is the first indepth review of forest gardening with living, best practice examples. It highlights the four core skills of forest gardeners: ecology, horticulture, design, cooperation. It is for hobby gardeners, smallholders, community gardeners and landscape professionals. Forest Gardening In Practice features: A history of forest gardening; Step-by step guide to creating your own edible ecosystem; 121 in-depth case studies of established forest gardens and edible landscapes in Europe and the USA; Chapters on integrating animals, learning, enterprises, working in community and public settings.

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Book SynopsisA hands-on guide to using flower essences in magick, spellcraft, alchemy, and healing• 2023 Coalition of Visionary Resources Gold Award• Provides detailed instructions for making single-flower essences and magickal and therapeutic essence blends • Shares new magickal uses for flower essences, from creating sacred space to dressing candles to preparing incense, as well as how to use essences in meditation, potions, spells, spagyrics, and ritual • Includes a detailed directory of 100 flower and plant essences, complete with astrological, elemental, and magickal correspondences In this practical guide to using flower essences in witchcraft, alchemy, and healing, Nicholas Pearson provides detailed instructions for making and using flower essences based on traditional Western magick practices. He shares new uses for essences--from creating sacred space to dressing candles to preparing incense--and explains how to use them in meditation, potions, spells, spagyrics, and ritual. He shares exercises for connecting more deeply to the energies of the green world and exploring how essences can be used in traditional sacraments of witchcraft like the Great Rite.In the hands-on formulary, the author provides recipes for essence combinations for the eight sabbats and formulas based on familiar blends like traditional flying ointments of European witchcraft. He shares his method for creating flower essence spagyrics--alchemical preparations made from the body, mind, and soul of the plant that offer the highest vibrational potency for therapeutic and spiritual uses. Pearson also provides a detailed directory of 100 flower and plant essences, complete with astrological, elemental, and magickal correspondences and the therapeutic indications for each essence. Weaving together magickal herbalism, traditional plant lore, and flower essence therapy, this guide allows you to see flower essences not just as vibrational remedies but also as powerful tools for transformation, magick, and spiritual practice.Trade Review“An exceptionally talented man, whose words are as beautiful as the flowers he explores, Nicholas Pearson has now created a must-have book for anyone interested in spirituality, magick, and the subtle use of plants. Profound and engaging, this book is a worthy and important addition to any flower essence library.” * Candice Covington, author of Essential Oils in Spiritual Practice *“Flower Essences from the Witch’s Garden is one of the most extensive compendiums on flower essences that I have ever read. Not only is there an in-depth exploration of a whopping 100 essences, but Nicholas also shares his extensive knowledge of the magick of essences that includes discussions of plant spirits, devas, the alchemy of essences, and so much more. If you read only one book on flower essences, look no further, because Flower Essences from the Witch’s Garden has it all.” * Pam Montgomery, author of Plant Spirit Healing *“Everything we need to know about working with flower essences for healing, magick, personal development, and more. This book is destined to be a classic magickal reference book on the shelves and in the hearts of witches everywhere for generations to come.” * Tess Whitehurst, author of The Magic of Flowers and The Magic of Trees *“This book offers an important resource to the world of flower essences and fills a unique niche for students of this healing modality. Nicholas provides empowering tools for creating our own garden magick and getting to know familiar plant allies in a new and dynamic way. Weaving inspiration and practical guidance, this is a book you will not only benefit from along your personal healing journey but will also enjoy savoring to the last page. A treasured reference in my library for years to come!” * Emily Ruff, executive director of the Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary *“An enchanting combination of medicine and magick. From describing the humble origins of flower essences to sharing practical guidance, magickal formulas, and personal insight, this book will enlighten both the beginner and those that are already enjoying the transformational effects of flower essences. The flower essence directory is an indispensable resource.” * Fay Johnstone, author of Plant Spirit Reiki *“An in-depth and detailed book about co-creating at the devic level. Through this magickal work, Pearson practically and intuitively connects us to the energetic medicine of flower essences, which first and foremost treat the spirit. He reminds us that we are a world in need of spiritual medicine.” * Thea Summer Deer, author of Wisdom of the Plant Devas *“When I think of the term witch, I think of its etymology--wit (to know; wisdom)--and the feminine-style knowing that comes from deep listening. For those of us whose mission is to forge paths for scientific and mainstream accessibility of clinical flower essence therapy, Flower Essences from the Witch’s Garden reminds us, in rich detail, to keep our wit aligned with the spiritually animated world of the plant kingdom, or, dare I say, queendom.” * Loey Colebeck, translator of Bach Flower Essences and Chinese Medicine *“Nicholas Pearson has given us a lucid and balanced explanation of flower essences. He is careful to define the terminology in a clear way. His focus on developing a context for flower essence use within magickal and ritual contexts fits perfectly with the subtle and metaphysical reality of essences.” * Sue and Simon Lilly, authors of The Healing Energies of Trees and Their Flower Essences *“Nicholas Pearson performs the rare magick of creating an accessible guidebook to working with the plant world in a way that feels thoroughly modern. This book shows us a world in which natural science and natural magick work hand in hand to craft an informed spiritual path that is overflowing with wonder.” * Fire Lyte, author of The Dabbler’s Guide to Witchcraft *"There really isn’t an area related to flower essences that isn’t covered in this book, which comes in at around 500 pages! This is truly a master work on flower essences, and it opens up a whole new realm of working with these amazing formulas. Flower essences are used to help people with all sorts of mental, emotional and spiritual issues and are used frequently in alternative medicine. Their magickal potential is evident, as presented so expertly by Nicholas Pearson!" * Coby Michael, author of The Poison Path Herbal *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction Entering the Witch’s Garden 1 What Are Flower Essences?2 A History of Flower Essences3 Devas, Plant Spirits, and Green Familiars 4 Balms, Banes, and Tree Spirits 5 Making Flower Essences 6 Deciphering the Language of Flowers 7 Choosing and Using Flower Essences8 Flower Essences in Magick9 Flower Essence Formulary 10 Plant Spirit Alchemy 11 Directory of One Hundred Flower Essences Appendix Flower Essence Suppliers Notes Bibliography Index of Flower Essences Index

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Book SynopsisTransform your home into a verdant retreat with this information-packed guide to houseplant care, with profiles for over 125 different plants. Well-chosen, well-cared-for houseplants bring life to a room, both literally and figuratively. They add color, texture, motion, uniqueness, beauty—and they even improve air quality. They also fulfill our need to nurture and care for other living things. In Houseplants, expert grower Lisa Eldred Steinkopf gives you the advice and information you need to confidently bring a plant (or two, or more!) home and find joy in keeping it lush and healthy. Achieve success with your houseplants by: Making smart selections: Choose plants that are suited for your space and conditions. Savvy siting: Where the plant is placed is as important as what it is. Taking care: Proper maintenance goes far beyond watering; learn how to fertilize, groom, troubleshoot, propagate, and more. Becoming an educated owner: The book includes 125+ profiles of the most popular, cutting-edge plant species. Organized by relative ease of care, the plant profiles offer the common and botanical names, light preference, watering guidelines, whether and under what conditions it flowers, its size and growth potential, propagation tips, and available cultivars. Featuring stunning photography and a modern design, Houseplants is a must-have resource for every houseplant parent.Trade Review“Comprehensive, useful, and a delight to pore through, this really is the ‘complete guide’ to houseplants! ” * FloweryProse.com *“Houseplants gives you the best techniques to water, fertilize, groom, propagate and more—helping you keep your plants healthy.” * Michigan Gardener *“This book definitely delivers on what it sets out to achieve and I hope it will empower readers to embrace the houseplant revival.” * The Garden Magazine *

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Book SynopsisMartin Crawford is an internationally acknowledged expert on growing perennial food systems. It features a selection of the 100 best trees to grow. It includes appendices with lists of suitable trees for specific situations. Martin Crawford has researched and experimented with tree crops for 25 years and has selected over 100 of the best trees producing fruits, nuts, edible leaves and other useful products that can be grown in Europe and North America. The appendices makes choosing trees for your situation easy, with lists of suitable trees for specific situations plus flow charts to guide you. If you want to know about and use the large diversity of tree crops that are available in temperate and continental climates, then this book is both fascinating and essential reading by an internationally acknowledged expert.Trade Review'Martin Crawford is Mr Tree, and what he doesn't know about these sentinels in our landscape is hardly worth knowing. I've reaped the benefit of his root-and-branch expertise myself: he helped me establish my modest Devon nuttery and forest garden, and my flourishing chestnuts, hazels and autumn olives (to name just three) are a testament to his generous advice. But what's really inspiring and persuasive is Martin's view of trees as a vital and sustaining life force that we need to recognise and nurture. Like any good arboriculturist (or tree-man, if you like), he has an emotional connection to trees and an infectious sense of awe at their sheer magnificence. But this book is really about their importance as the bedrock of a sustainable ecology. Martin celebrates the sheer practical value of trees and explores the uses we have found for them, past and present, that makes them not just things of beauty, but icons of resilience, resourcefulness and regeneration.' Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, multi-award-winning writer and broadcaster widely known for his uncompromising commitment to seasonal, ethically produced food

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Book SynopsisTuberous begonias are sensational flowers: their abundant blooms capture everyone's heart and eye. This authoritative guide introduces the best varieties and celebrates the great range of colours grown. Written by Jack Larter, who has devoted many years of love and toil to the plants, it covers everything that both novice and veteran need to know to grow blooms for the home, garden and show bench.

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Book SynopsisBig Cat Phonics for Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised has been developed in collaboration with Wandle Learning Trust and Little Sutton Primary School. It comprises classroom resources to support the SSP programme and a range of phonic readers that together provide a consistent and highly effective approach to teaching phonics.

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Book SynopsisA plant a day brings beauty your way. So why not make the most of your garden with 365 of the very best plant varieties - one for every day of the year!From spring blooms to winter interest and everything in between, each plant has been personally selected by expert horticulturist Phil Clayton, who draws on his nearly 20 years of RHS experience, along with his own garden favourites, to showcase a vast array of planting choices. With a range of plants as broad as Phil''s knowledge is vast, A Plant for Every Day of the Year is like taking a walk with an accomplished gardener as they show you their favourite plants. Each profile comes complete with stunning photography and an at-a-glance guide to height, spread, hardiness, and other must-know information, so you too can make the most of every season in your own garden.Turn the pages of this plant book to discover: - Unique structure gives the reader a whole year of plants, day by day.- Phil Clayton''s unrivalled knowledge and personal approach are apparent throughout, allowing the reader to absorb his experience and expertise.- Easy-to-follow text and clear photography present the plants in an accessible and enjoyable format. A must-have volume for existing gardeners and plant lovers who want to enjoy Phil''s personal and insightful commentary on a wide range of plants, alongside individuals who don''t know what plants to grow and want to seek advice from a reputable gardener such as Phil. Doubling up as the perfect gardening book for budding botanists, who are looking to achieve their garden or indoor space''s fullest potential all year round, A Plant For Every Day of the Year is sure to delight.Trade ReviewA delight for every gardener, whether experienced or novice. * Garden News *... personal and insightful commentary alongside stunning photography and at-a-glance growing guides. * The Garden *

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Book Synopsis_____________Everything you need to know about keeping plants in your house... lovely pictures, tips, tricks... I love it. (Zoe Sugg a.k.a Zoella)Love plants, but short on outdoor space? Keen to fill your home with greenery but don''t know where to start? Or perhaps you''ve been labelled a house-plant serial killer? Then this is the book for you.With stunning photography and expert step-by-step tips, Bring The Outside In reveals everything you need to know to help your plants thrive, from dramatic statement foliage and miniature citrus trees to table-top terrariums and hanging planters. With chapters on orchids, cacti, herb gardens and chilli plants, your home will be flourishing in no time.Trade ReviewEverything you need to know about keeping plants in your house... lovely pictures, tips, tricks... I love it. * Zoe Sugg a.k.a Zoella *Lots of ideas and sound advice. * The Sunday Times *Create stunning terrarium gardens with this book complete with step-by-step guides. * Urban Outfitters *Easy peasy... sit back, relax and enjoy your low-key, no-fuss terrarium * The Anna Edit *

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Book SynopsisIn recent years allotments have grown in popularity with demand far outstripping supply. John Harrison shows how to improve your chances of getting an allotment and move up the waiting list. In this all-encompassing guide, he also advises on clearing an allotment, planning what to grow and how, building compost bins, using raised beds - plus detailed instructions on growing the best vegetables and fruit.Praise for John Harrison''s Vegetable Growing Month by Month:...solid words of advice, written in a way that everyone will understand.Medwyn Williams, Chairman of the National Vegetable Society and member of the Fruit and Vegetable Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society.Trade ReviewAn invaluable source of information. * Scotland's Weekly News *Britain's greatest allotment authority. -- Emma Townshend * The Independent *The Essential Allotment Guide is the next best thing to having a weather-beaten old gardener as a next-door neighbour. Calm, practical and endlessly resourceful, this useful manual provides advice on everything from dismantling a second-hand greenhouse...to the mysteries of making organic fertiliser. * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewFrom this specialized, crowded library of Box books one might justifiably believe that “anything I need to know about box is already in a book.” However, Jenny Alban Davies’ new book, A Gardener’s Guide to Box, proves there is still more we can learn about our beloved box. “Why did my healthy box suddenly decline and die?” Carefully reading and faithfully applying the principles in Davies’ book will help keep a gardener from ever asking this regretful question. It is a mystery that such a well-produced book, overflowing with valuable information on relevant box care, can be sold at such a modest price. Because every box gardener ought to have this reference, it is likely this price was carefully chosen so all might afford it. https://ebts.org/uk/2022/a-gardeners-guide-to-box/ -- Lynn R Batdorf, European Boxwood and Topiary Society * European Boxwood and Topiary Society *

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Book SynopsisAlpines have been a favourite plant for generations of gardeners and are as popular now as ever. Historically they were used in rockeries, but they offer far more potential for today''s gardens, which are generally becoming smaller. Whether planted in troughs, window boxes, raised beds or between paving, alpines offer fantastic versatility and colour for nearly every month of the year. Topics covered include: traditional and contemporary settings for growing plants; ideas for incorporating alpine plants into a new or existing garden plot; advice on planting and maintenance and information on propagation methods and facilities. There is an A-Z of over 180 of the best alpine plants, with a useful table of flowering times. Aimed at both the beginner and the more experienced enthusiast this essential guide, new in paperback for 2022, contains a wealth of beautifully illustrated information.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThis book will be of use to gardeners of any ilk - seasoned enthusiasts and hobby gardeners as well as landscape architects and designers. Hirons provides plenty of detailed and expert advice, whether you're planting a new hedge from scratch, restoring a neglected one or creating softer internal divides within a space. -- Martin Ogle, Gardens Illustrated * Gardens Illustrated *

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Book SynopsisCultivate your personal cannabis crop with expert techniques and know-how.As marijuana laws in the United States become less restrictive, even more people are searching for basic marijuana gardening instructions. Cultivating marijuana isn''t like growing other plants, especially if you desire maximum potency and yield. It requires special care from the soil, water and nutrients to the temperature, light and ventilation around the plants. Growing Marijuana covers it all-in a simple, concise way to help you increase both the quality and yield of your personal harvest.Here''s what you''ll find in this updated and visual guide:- Instructions on how to grow and maintain a small marijuana garden for your own noncommercial use- More than 500 full-color photos and illustrations- The full spectrum of options available for growing marijuana, from indoor, climate-controlled systems to open-air and outdoor growing- Time-tested and modern methods for strain selection, disease and pest prevention and proper plant nutrition- Expert advice to yield a consistent and dependable supply of buds

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Book SynopsisEnjoy vibrant beds and borders throughout the year, with practical advice and ideas for stunning combinations. Includes a simple reference chart giving planting and flowering times for many common garden plants.

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Book SynopsisBring the beauty of succulents to your home or office with this on-trend DIY succulent magnet set. SPECIFICATIONS: Includes everything you need to create succulent magnets including 3 faux succulents, 3 corks with pre-drilled holes, and 1 sheet of magnets with strong adhesive backing BOOK INCLUDED: 32-page, fully illustrated mini book on succulents UNIQUE GIFT FOR SUCCULENT LOVERS: An easy, on-trend DIY craft SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS: Perfect for crafters of all ages and skill levels—no green thumb required! PORTABLE: Small size allows for crafting fun anytime, anywhere

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Book SynopsisExplore the darker side of house plants with this accessible guide to choosing, growing, and caring for carnivorous and predatory plants like Venus flytraps, pitcher plants (in all of their wild and wacky varieties), sundews, and other spooky guys.Carnivorous plants are among the most fascinating botanical specimens in this world. They''re weird, they''re gorgeous, and they''re the perfect addition to your urban jungle of pothos, snake plants, and succulents. However, they can also be intimidating to grow and care for. Let Killer Plants -- with its light approach and adorable two-color illustrations -- be your guide as it walks you through the different types of carnivorous plants and how to keep each variety alive and well.The book answers the many questions you may have surrounding these freaks of nature, such as:* Where the heck do I buy a pitcher plant? Can I grow it from a seed?* Do I need to feed my carnivorous plant flie

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Book SynopsisFirst published as an oversized clothbound volume in 2009, Botanica Magnifica has received widespread acclaim from the scientific and artistic communities. In the words of an ARTnews critic, Singer''s flowers and plants, photographed in large scale and exquisite detail, emerge from the shadows in a manner evocative of Old Master paintings.Now Abbeville is to offer this masterwork of botanical photography as a pocket-sized hardcover book, in their trademarked Tiny Folio format. Mirroring the design of the larger edition, this little volume is organised into five alphabetically arranged sections: (I) Orchidaceae, presenting the full diversity of orchids; (II) Florilegium, portraying the complexity and beauty of flowers; (III) Proteus, illustrating plant forms perfectly adapted for survival; (IV) Zingiberaceae, a tribute to the fascinating ginger family and (V) Botanicus, a selection of beautiful and bizarre specimens from the Smithsonian''s research collection. Each pictured plant is accompanied by a clear and accessible description of its botany, geography, history, and conservation.With its marvellous reproductions and fascinating text, the Tiny Folio of Botanica Magnifica is a charming miniature version of one of the most impressive volumes of natural history ever published.Trade ReviewPraise for Botanica Magnifica: "This has to be, hands down, the most gorgeous book of the year." -- ARTnews "Goes way beyond typical nature photography to reveal not just the shape and substance of these living things but also their essence." -- O, the Oprah Magazine "Art aficionados marvel at their painterly quality, and botanists are in awe of how Singer manages to capture them so true to form." -- Smithsonian Magazine "You've never seen still-lifes of flora this crisp and hyper-real before. Photographer Jonathan Singer uses cutting edge digital techniques to reveal delicate structures of plant life to often jaw-dropping effect." -- Elle Magazine "A podiatrist photographs some of the world's most endangered flowers with remarkable precision and artistry, hoping to raise the plants' profiles before it's too late." -- Audubon Magazine "...It's [Singer's] flowers, in Botanica Magnifica, that have caused quite a stir. Art aficionados marvel at their painterly quality, and botanists are in awe of how Singer manages to capture them so true to form..." -- Smithsonian(dot)com "A greenhouse between two covers." -- Reader's Digest "Botanica Magnifica is truly one of the most amazing natural history publications that has ever appeared..." -- Zoom Magazine "As rare and sublime as the marvels surveyed within its broad covers, Singer has produced a work to rest alongside some of the great botanical codexes in history, one for connoisseurs of the still-life, natural phenomena, and the photographic art." -- Library Journal "This single and singular volume...offers profound delight...Together the artist and the scientist observe and create diverse and new forms with these images." -- Bloomsbury Review "This impressive book should capture the imagination of naturalists and artists as well as the general public." -- ChoiceTable of ContentsContents: Introduction I. Orchidaceae - Presents the full diversity of orchids, one of the largest and most exquisite families of flowering plants. II. Florilegium - Portrays the complexity and beauty of flowers. III. Proteus - Named for the shape-changing sea god of Greek mythology because it illustrates plant forms perfectly adapted for survival. IV. Zingerbraceae - A tribute to the ginger family, whose members include both common tropical plants and rarities at risk of extinction. V. Botanicus - A selection of beautiful and bizarre specimens from the renowned botanical research collection of the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian. Index of Plant Names.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Offering a wealth of inspiring examples and also available in a digital book format (…) an ideal DIY guide to creating interior enhancing, plant based creations drawn from traditional Japanese home and office decorating traditions. Exceptional and 'user friendly' in commentary, organization and presentation, Nature Crafts: Japanese Style Plant & Leaf Projects is highly recommended for personal, professional, and community library Interior Design and DIY Crafting collections."-- Midwest Book Review

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Matsuyama has a calming, whimsical touch, and the accompanying photos are spare and airy, full of natural light, weathered wood surfaces, and rough-textured pottery. Matsuyama's minimalist take is sure to please." -- Publishers Weekly"This beginner-friendly book is perfect for those who are in the starter stage of succulent gardening." -- Washington Gardener magazine

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Book SynopsisRaising healthy and beautiful succulents has never been easier!This essential beginner's guide provides a complete introduction to growing and combining succulents in ways that are healthy for the plants and pleasing to the eye. It also gives an overview of the most popular succulent and cacti varieties. Succulent specialists Tokiiro (Yoshinobu Kondo) explains how the plants' appearances shift with the seasons, and give advice about how to combine them creatively to take full advantage of their seasonal changes in shapes and colors. This fascinating book includes tips and advice on all the critical topics you need to know, including: Selecting, preparing and potting your succulents Creating attractive combinations that can be enjoyed year-round Detailed information on over 200 succulent and cacti varieties And much more! Hundreds of color photographs provide new ideas that will inspire you to tell a unique story through your plants. With this book as your guide, you'll be able

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Book SynopsisWhether you''re a total novice, a newly minted plant parent or an experienced indoor gardener, this book will help you take the next step to having a well-planted home. Featuring cool plant projects and styling ideas to make the most of your houseplants, this friendly guide will help you discover how to make a mounted wall garden, a kokedama and an air plant mobile. Create enviable shelf displays, terrariums and hanging plant features. The fun and easy projects are beautifully photographed in steps and accompanied by inspirational images of plant displays in the home. How to Plant a Room is written by the successful authors of How to Raise a Plant, Morgan Doane and Erin Harding of #houseplantclub, who have over 1 million followers on Instagram.

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